“I think the biggest thing is that you’ve got to convince people that this is a metabolic disease, it’s a mitochondrial metabolic disease. Ok, so that changes the whole ground– the whole playing field of how are you gonna treat the disease. Because if it’s a metabolic disease, why are you irradiating? Because I gotta stop the tumor growth. Oh, but if I can stop it by taking away the fuels then I don’t need to do that. Now, of course… Ok, so you’re re-labeling what the disease is. And by re-labeling and providing the evidence that this is different than what we thought, and that the gene mutations are really red herrings- they’re epi-phenomena, they’re very little related to what’s going on- well, that’s a difficult pill to swallow.” – Dr. Thomas Seyfried

Thomas Seyfried, PhD is a biochemical geneticist, scientist, and professor at Boston College. For more than 25 years he has taught and conducted research in the fields of neurochemistry, neurogenetics, and cancer. Through his extensive research, Thomas has found evidence that supports the hypothesis that cancer is a metabolic disease as opposed to the mainstream belief that it is genetic in origin. He believes that this fundamental misunderstanding has led to failed treatment and prevention strategies. In his groundbreaking text, Cancer as a Metabolic Disease, Thomas explains the mechanism behind cancer development and metastasis, and he shares the scientific and clinical studies that support this unconventional theory.

I had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Seyfried at the 2018 CrossFit Health Conference in Madison, WI. In one of the most controversial episodes of Pursing Health yet, we discussed his research findings that point to metabolic therapies, including the ketogenic diet, as being an effective way to prevent, manage, and treat cancer.

In this episode we discuss:

How Tom met Greg Glassman and became involved with CrossFit Health

What led Tom to become a scientist, and how he got into his field of research

His realization that the fundamental understanding of the origins of cancer may be wrong

Why he believes the gene therapy approach of treating cancer is wrong

How Tom is challenging others’ views on which cancer therapies are most effective

His belief that eliminating glucose and glutamine are a more effective cancer therapy

The types of cancer that are most metabolically responsive

The concept of press-pulse therapy to treat tumors

Tom’s excitement over the various mechanisms that can be employed to not only treat tumors but chronic diseases as well

The challenge of creating a clinical trial that compares metabolic therapy to traditional cancer therapy

How Tom believes patients can work with their doctors to drive change

An overview of where the field of metabolic research is, and where it’s headed

Three things Tom does on a regular basis that have the biggest positive impact on his health

One thing he struggles to implement that could have a big impact on his health

If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating. I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below and on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health every other Tuesday.

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Disclaimer: This podcast is meant to share the experiences of various individuals. It does not provide medical advice, and it is not a substitute for advice from your physician or health care professional.